MEMBER BENEFITS
One voice in Washington won’t make enough noise, but all of our voices together cannot be ignored. By joining ARA, you help us better represent your interests while giving your business a competitive advantage. Here are the main services that come with ARA membership:
Payment Processing Service
ARA, in association with a leading financial institution, offers a new member service with upfront pricing for accepting credit/debit and EBT transactions with no hidden fees or surprise surcharges. Based on ARA member feedback on their current cost of processing, retailers and suppliers who have switched have saved an average of 20 percent* on credit card processing fees. As an ARA member, you will qualify for a $300 rebate as a statement credit* for taking advantage of this new member service.
Entry Level Driver Training Support
New Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) Support helps companies cut through the red tape, save money, and train more truck drivers. ARA partnered with the ACE (Administrative Compliance Experts) Services Program to guide individuals through ELDT requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) by handling FMCSA paperwork and filings, audits, and training materials and equipment so that behind-the-wheel training can be done in-house with a qualifying instructor.
Decode 6
Decode 6 drives innovation in the agricultural sector by bringing clarity to carbon and ecosystem service markets through transparent, unbiased, and freely accessible educational content for all.
LaborLink: ARA’s Workforce Solution
ARA has partnered with másLabor, the leading provider of H-2 visa services, to offer members exclusive access to LaborLink — expert support for securing reliable workers. Whether you need help hiring applicators, warehouse staff, drivers, or other key roles, LaborLink guides you through every step of H-2A and H-2B visa processes, helping you stay fully staffed, compliant, and ready for the busy season.
2024 Asmark Institute Applicator Manuals
ARA partners with Asmark Institute to provide its members with relevant safety resources and training to support a safety culture of continuous improvement. Published annually in February, this 1,800-page book contains more than 150 specimen labels of the most popular custom applied products. This manual is the industry standard in helping comply with EPA’s requirement to have current label information available for applicators while handling or applying pesticides. Place a copy in every piece of application equipment and nurse tendering units as a best practice. Get yours today!
Pre-order 2024 Asmark Institute Emergency Response Guidebook
A guidebook intended for use by first responders during the initial phase of a transportation incident involving hazardous materials/dangerous goods. Pre-sale price available until May 1.
Congressional Facility Visit Guide
ARA created the Congressional Facility Visit Guide with best practices and media samples to give you a step-by-step resource to hosting a successful visit that will pave the way for a lasting relationship with your elected officials. The goal of inviting a member of Congress to tour your facility is to educate them and their staff about what your company is doing to support its employees, farmer customers, and the community.
Tax Write Off
ARA membership dues may be deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses subject to restrictions imposed as a result of association lobbying activities. ARA estimates that members are able to deduct 70 percent of dues as an expense after removing the nondeductible portion of your dues allocable to lobbying, which is 30 percent. ARA membership dues are not deductible as a charity contribution for U.S. Federal Income Tax purposes.
ARA NAVIGATOR 360°
ARA NAVIGATOR 360° is a leadership assessment that will assess a leader's effectiveness in two ways: the level of skill the leader has and the ability to use those skills as needed. ARA partnered with NuVue to create this new tool built specifically for the agricultural industry. Learn more about how this assessment uses diagnostic feedback to show gaps between the leadership your organization has and the leadership your organization needs.
Public Policy Advocacy
ARA staff leverage their combined experience in public policy advocacy, communications, and issues management to educate and influence federal agencies and Congressional members on important issues affecting the ag retail industry.
DC Help Desk
The ARA DC Help Desk is the membership's direct line to answers to regulatory and legislative questions from ARA's policy team of experts. ARA members can also request support from the ARA staff when setting up meetings with representatives.
Member Resource Library
ARA members can log in through the Member Home section of the website to access the complete Member Resource Library including COVID-19 response and guidance tools, past ARA Conference presentations, community relations tips, and more.
ARA Professional Development Pathway
Set out on a clear and continuous path of learning with the ARA Professional Development Pathway that guides members to the programs that will be most beneficial at various steps of their career. By offering professional development opportunities, ARA member companies increase employee engagement and retention. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are also available for participation in some of ARA's programs.
Foundations of Applied Agronomy Training Program
Foundations of Applied Agronomy was developed by the American Society of Agronomy to prepare learners for the International Certified Crop Adviser (ICCA) Exam and to build the expertise of persons in production agriculture, consulting, business, and conservation. The series provides a comprehensive online learning experience that covers topics in nutrient management, soil and water management, pest management, and crop management. In-field practitioners will review the knowledge and skills that are most needed by a Certified Crop Adviser (CCA), while others will obtain a foundational knowledge in topics relevant to the agricultural profession.
Timely Email Updates
Receive emails from ARA about important regulatory or legislative changes straight to your inbox as an ARA member. These come as Member Alerts and the Retailer Fact$ newsletter and may include contact information for representatives, if local action is needed.
Share Ideas in Committees
By volunteering on an ARA Committee, Work Group, and/or Task Force, ARA members join other motivated ag professionals to directly shape industry outcomes and ARA programming.
Reduced Rates at ARA & Partnered Events
Part of being a member is attending ARA programs such as the annual Conference & Expo and other events held by industry organizations with partnerships with ARA at a reduced rate.
Networking
Building valuable relationships with like-minded industry professionals is a top benefit of joining ARA. Whether it's over breakfast during the annual ARA Conference or at the bar after a workshop, ARA members get together to expand their network and discuss the latest industry trends.
Member Testimonial
"Our company has had many drivers go through the program . . . it is easy to follow with all the info provided by the NPGA.
To me, signing up for ELDT and utilizing the ACE program is a no-brainer. Simple, straight forward, and no record keeping for a very reasonable cost. Why would any company want to do it any other way?"
– Dale Beck
Energy Dept. Manager, CHS in Dakota Plains
Member, NPGA and ARA
Contact
Donnie Taylor, ARA Senior Vice President of Membership and Corporate Relations